प्राचीन भारत में शिक्षा (डॉ. ए.एस. अल्तेकर - गुरुकुल एवं बौद्ध विहार शिक्षण इतिहास)

V] EDUCATIONAL CENTRES AND INSTITUTIONS 125 We are told that the scholars from all parts of India used to assemble at Valabhi and stay there for at least two or three years to discuss ‘possible and impossible doctrines.’ They used to become famous for their wisdom when they were assured of the correctness of their opinions by the doctors at Valabhi. The names of the famous scholars of the University were written in white on its lofty gates. (Ibid., pp. 176-7). Financial support: Valabhi was a rich city; it had a hundred citizens ‘whose wealth amounted to a million’. The University used to receive considerable support from these merchant princes. The Maitraka kings who were ruling there during c. 480 to 775 A. D., were also great patrons of learning; they used to give direct grants for the purpose of meeting the general expenses of the University as also for strengthening its library¹. Scholars who completed their educational course at the University used to receive either appointments in government service or some financial help to enable them to start their life². This continued to be the case till c. 775 A. D. when the reigning dynasty succumbed to an Arab attack, which resulted in the destruction of the city and of the University. VIKRAMŚĪLĀ³ An International University : Vikramaśilā monas-

1. सद्धर्मस्य पुस्तकोपचयार्थम् । I. A., VII., p. 67 ff.
2. I-tsing, p. 177.
3. Tibetan sources inform us that this monastery was situated in Bihar on a hill on the right bank of the Ganges. Mr. De's identification of Vikramasīlā with Patharaghata hill, 24 miles to the east of Bhagalpur, seems to be correct. The place is full of ancient and extensive ruins, and may yield a rich reward to the excavator. J. A. S. B., N. S., V, p. 7.